What’s On in Rio De Janeiro in April

April in Rio de Janeiro marks the first full month of autumn. The cooling temperatures are still pleasantly hot, and this month brings several outdoor parties, shows and live music. Some other highlights include the chocolate festival, a medieval fair, The Color Run, and a ballet performance of The Nutcracker from a Russian ballet dance group. Here are some of the most exciting events in Rio in April.

Baby do Brasil, otherwise known as Baby Consuelo, is a national icon on the pop music scene and is famed for her lively shows and catchy compositions. She has graced the pop arena for decades, and her 1985 album Sem Pecado e Sem Juizo sold more than one million copies. She will perform her best hits at Rio’s famous music venue, Circo Voador.

For some of the city’s most authentic samba, head to Mercado das Pulgas in Santa Teresa where organiser O Samba dos Guimarães has been hosting live rodas de samba (improvised samba bands) for the last eight years. On April 1, the band Samba do Xoxo will perform lively, rhythmic beats of samba that set the scene for an exciting night out.

House Boutique is a collaboration between event organizers and producers to bring an exclusive, charming and sophisticated concept that combines art, music and culture. Set in the gardens of MAM (Museum of Modern Art), the party will bring both national and international DJs on the house music scene, to a backdrop of Flamengo park, Sugarloaf mountain and stunning street art murals.

The medieval fair explores life in long-gone eras through seminars, food and drink. Highlights include a seminar about combat knives, a medieval banquet with food that reflects this era, and plenty of homemade beer. There will also be medieval games such as archery, and several dance shows of belly dancing, flamenco and tribal performances.

Niteroi, the city just across the bay from Rio de Janeiro city, will host the two-day festival of chocolate. Treats on the menu include:brigadeiros (Brazilian chocolate sweets), Easter eggs, chocolate fondue, tarts, cakes, churros, chocolate burgers, chocolate beer, brownies – anything that could possibly be made from chocolate will probably be there. There will also be salty snacks and lunch options, and also locally-brewed beer.

The Color Run is an event that takes place in more than 60 countries, uniting sports, health and, of course, lots of fun. The five kilometer (3.1 mile) stretch takes place in Rio’s beautiful Aterro do Flamengo (Flamengo Park) next to the backdrop of the famous Sugarloaf mountain. Participants wear white t-shirts and get covered in colored powder at the designated “Color Zones” placed at each kilometer (0.61 mile) point. At the end, runners can relax and celebrate at a party with plenty of music and a lively environment.

Over the course of three days, the Geeks & Games festival will provide the opportunity for video gamers and fans of pop culture the opportunity to meet their favorite idols, brands and products. The event will bring plenty of games and have presentations and discussions with YouTube influencers, actors, bloggers and retail stores. The festival takes place in the sporting arena that hosted several of the Olympic games in 2016.

Bringing a bit of nostalgia for the 2000s, Evanescence are back with their rocky, grungy hits from the 2000s. Their first full album sold 17 million copies worldwide, and who can forget their most memorable hit, Bring Me to Life. Amy Lee, the lead singer, and the rest of the band will be performing their greatest songs at the famous music venue, Vivo Rio.

April 24 marks the final day of the retrospective exhibition of Abraham Palatink (1928). The exhibition has been an ongoing project since the beginning of February and aims to explore key, defining features of Palatink’s works – the evolutionary transition between modern and contemporary, and the pioneering association between art and technology.

The Russian State Ballet, a world renowned ballet troupe who perform globally, will be bringing an exclusive performance to Brazil. The group will perform the classic, The Nutcracker (O Quebra Nozes) in what promises to be an enchanting and beautiful show.

The star of the moment on the pop-funk music scene, Ludmilla is carving out her name in Brazil as one of the most well-known modern singers. She will be performing live at Palaphita Gavea, a trendy, outdoor nightclub, and will be supported by DJ Bernardo Malta who will play tracks from black music and hip hop during the intervals. Between 9PM and 11PM, there will be an open bar with Amstel beer.

To round off the month, Complexo Lage do Neguinho, a venue in the community Vidigal, is hosting a party of live music to a stunning backdrop of panoramic sea views. They will be joined by guests Soul Mais Samba, a traditional and authentic roda de samba (live, improvised samba band) and local DJs who will play during the intervals. The bar serves extra-cold beers in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.